Suspect sought after attempted bank robbery in New Town

NEW TOWN, N.D. – Some businesses here went on lockdown today after a man attempted to rob a New Town bank Wednesday morning.

A suspect entered Lakeside State Bank about 8:35 a.m. Wednesday and demanded cash from the teller, New Town Police Chief Arthur Walgren said in a news release.

Before getting any money, the suspect fled on foot. No weapons were displayed or seen, Walgren said.

Officers from New Town police, Three Affiliated Tribes police, Mountrail County Sheriff’s Office and Three Affiliated Tribes Fish and Game Department conducted a search for the suspect, but he remains at large.

Some area businesses went on lockdown as a precaution during the search but have returned to normal operations, Walgren said.

The suspect is described as a light-skinned male, possibly white, about 30 years old and about 6 feet tall. He was wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt, ski mask and gloves.

The FBI has been notified and will conduct a joint investigation, Walgren said.

Anyone with information is asked to call New Town police at (701) 627-5222, tribal dispatch at (701) 627-3617, the Mountrail County Sheriff at (701) 628-2975 or your local office of the FBI.